The previous post about the U.S. Immigration computers ended on a high note, but it was a false alarm. The nationwide system did not come back on-line. Instead, Immigration officers brought out notebook computers and processed us using those, so at least the line started moving.

But while in line to get processed, I received a text message from American Airlines that my 2:30pm flight to Boston was canceled. I am now booked for a later flight, and protected on an alternate route via JFK & LaGuardia which will still get me to Boston in time for my orthodontist appointment tomorrow morning. For the uninitiated, being “protected” is something offered to higher level frequent flyers in that the airline will block seats on an alternate routing in case the first routing fails to work out. Nice service – but I don’t know if I will retain that next year as I will not requalify for American’s Executive Platinum status – I only just made regular Platinum (and the rest of the family are all Gold-level fliers with American).

Then there will be a question of whether (or perhaps “weather”) or not my orthodontist will even be open tomorrow due to the results of the inclement weather in Boston.